IRISH IN FINE NIC

James brace fires Murphy boys into final

- DEREK FOLEY

IRELAND 31

STH AFRICA 12

IRELAND defied a slow start to power past South Africa and take their place in the World Rugby U20 Championship final. 

Richie Murphy's heroes will meet France in the Cape Town decider on Friday after Les Bleus beat England 52-31 in the second semi yesterday.

Ireland's game was scoreless after 35 minutes and just 7-0 to the Murphy's men at half-time.

Then the Gus McCarthy-captained Irish broke the shackles and posted a further 24 points without reply while the Junior Springboks registered the last score of the game.

"It has obviously been a difficult few weeks, there was lots of stuff going on, admitted Ireland coach Richie Murphy of the effect some tragic bereavements have had on his squad.